The 2026 Canadian XCO Championships: A Thrilling Weekend of Mountain Biking
The Canadian cross country championships are back in action, bringing an exhilarating weekend of XCC and XCO racing to the Jordie Lunn Bike Park in Langford, B.C. This year's event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with a diverse range of athletes showcasing their skills on the challenging course.
A Course Like No Other
The XCO course, a 5km loop with approximately 175m elevation gain and loss per lap, is a true test of endurance and technical prowess. It begins with a steep climb, the Initial Attack, followed by a flow trail called Wildcat, leading into the Wonderland section. The first descent is a thrilling mix of rocky terrain and fast flow, featuring wood bridges and jumps. The course then takes a different route, the Slow Burn, for the second ascent, before a rapid descent down Berm Reynolds. A short gravel section connects the final ascent back to the start/finish area.
Thursday's Action
The racing commenced on Thursday with the short track cross country (XCC) championship events. Ella MacPhee and Carter Woods emerged as the elite winners, claiming the maple leaf jerseys. The masters championships followed on Friday, with Sue Haviland and Kelly Welbourn dominating their respective categories.
Under-17 and Junior Categories
The under-17 men's race saw Joshua Tyers (Ontario / Hot Tubes) dominate, securing the XCO national title and matching his XCC win from the previous day. Mathis Malois (Club Cycliste de l’Academie) finished 21 seconds behind, with James Pinfold close on his heels. In the under-17 women's race, Hannah Lehmann (Ontario / Collingwood Collective) took a commanding lead, crossing the line 1:29 ahead of second place after four laps.
The junior men's race was a close affair, with Ethan Wood (BCXC Racing) and Emilien Belzile (Pittstop Racing) leading the pack. Wood, the 2025 junior champion, made a strong move with two laps to go, building a significant advantage on the course's steepest section. Belzile followed in second place, with Evan Moore (Collingwood Collective) securing third.
A Weekend of Mountain Biking Excellence
The Canadian XCO Championships are a testament to the country's thriving mountain biking community, attracting athletes from across the nation. The Jordie Lunn Bike Park, with its diverse trail network, provides the perfect setting for these races, offering a mix of technical challenges and thrilling descents.
As the event concludes, the Canadian mountain biking community will have new champions to celebrate, and the athletes will have etched their names in the history of this prestigious competition. The 2026 Canadian XCO Championships will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, showcasing the sport's excitement and the athletes' remarkable skills.
